It
usually involves assessment (testing) with a group of standardized
tests that are sensitive to the effects of brain dysfunction.
Neuropsychological assessment is used to show the ways in which a person
can or cannot perform certain functions or tasks that are dependent
upon brain activity. These (for example, attention, memory and
learning) are often necessary for successful living. Impairment in many
of these functions may exist because of brain abnormalities that cannot
be detected on CT or MRI scans. Therefore, neuropsychological
assessment is a procedure with a unique purpose; it can be used to
reveal or diagnose brain dysfunction when no structural brain
abnormalities can be seen. Furthermore, when structural abnormalities
have been found, neuropsychological assessment provides a way to
determinewhat functions may be impaired because of the structural defects, and to determine the degree to which they may be impaired.

What tests are used?

The
standardized tests used in a neuropsychological evaluation typically
assess functioning in the following areas: attention and memory,
problem-solving and other complex abilities, visual-spatial functions,
language functions, sensoryperceptual functions, and motor functions.
Assessment of academic skill development and emotional - social
functioning, while not exclusive to neuropsychological evaluation, is
typically performed, as well. The perspective of the neuropsychologist
is frequently requested to understand subtle brain-related factors
involved in academic failure or impaired emotional functioning, even
when no biological causes are suspected. However, the specific areas
assessed depend upon the referral questions presented. An interview with
the individual and/or family members is typically included.
Observations in other settings, such as school or hospital, and review
of school/medical records also may be included in the evaluation
process.

What are some of the uses of neuropsychological testing?

A
neuropsychological evaluation is used to obtain several types of
information. Reasons a client is referred may include, among others: 1)
to find possible problems with brain functioning, 2) to help lead to a
diagnosis, 3) to define brain-related strengths and weaknesses, 4) to
guide treatment for personal, educational or vocational needs, and make
relevant recommendations to other provider(s), or 5) to document
possible changes in one’s functioning over time. The evaluation can be
useful in a number of different situations and can serve many purposes,
including but not limited to:

In the clinical arena:

Differential diagnosis

Assessing for co morbidities

Evaluating for complicating cognitive factors in a patient’s case

Evaluating for complicating psychological factors in a patient’s case

Evaluate progress

Recommendations for treatment

In education:

Identifying a student’s strengths and weaknesses

Assessing factors that may interfere with learning

Recommending intervention strategies based on the student’s unique profile

In the legal / forensic area:

Competency evaluations

Assessing for factors that may have influenced a client’s judgment

Evaluate the effect an incident or injury has had on a client’s functioning.

Evaluate for malingering

In the business arena:

Fitness for duty

Disability evaluation

Assessing an applicant’s strengths and weaknesses

Assessing an applicant’s fit for a specific position

Off course, a number of these areas can overlap.

What is the Outcome?

The
product or outcome of a neuropsychological evaluation is a conclusion
or set of conclusions made about the individual's functioning. If
requested, the product also may include specific recommendations to
guide treatment or otherwise enhance the individual's functioning. The
conclusions and recommendations are developed by integrating information
obtained from the standardized testing, interviews, records and other
observations. Interpretation of the test results and the information
obtained from other sources is performed by the neuropsychologist, who
is a licensed professional within the field of psychology with a
specialty in the applied science of brain-behavior relationships.

What should a client know before their evaluation?

Normally,
the first meeting is for the purpose of an interview and gathering
history. The client needs to bring a history questionnaire s/he was
mailed, as well as any additional information they have, such as results
of prior testing. For the testing itself, which in most cases is
scheduled over 2-4 meetings in 2-3 hour blocks of time, the client needs
to bring glasses and hearing aid, if any. Also, clients are encouraged
to get a good night sleep the night prior to testing and to make sure
they ate that day. They will be provided with a break, and are
encouraged to bring a snack with them.

Some of this information was obtained from the National Academy of Neuropsychology website.

Laguna Behavioral offers the followingtesting for ages 6 years old and over: